Electricity Tariffs Set for Sharp Increase
Energy expert Oleg Popenko forecasts that electricity tariffs for Ukrainian households will surge by more than 60% over the next three years. In a statement made on a YouTube channel on February 18, Popenko projected the price per kilowatt-hour will rise to approximately 7.70 hryvnias, up from the current rate of 4.32 hryvnias.
Popenko estimates this increase will translate to an annual rise of around 20%. He directly links this projected hike to the immense costs of rebuilding Ukraine's war-damaged energy infrastructure, a financial burden he argues will fall on citizens. 'All reparations will be paid by our people, not the enemy. The issue is that, in essence, the restoration of the energy sector falls on the shoulders of Ukrainians,' Oleg Popenko
State-Owned Energy Companies Under Scrutiny
The expert also commented on the situation with state-owned energy companies like Centrenergo, Ukrenergo, and Energoatom. He questioned why consumers should bear the full cost of rebuilding state assets. 'When they tell us we need to restore Centrenergo, I say: but the owner is the state, so let the owner do it at their own expense,' Popenko added.
This forecast signals a significant financial pressure for Ukrainian consumers in the coming years. The projected tariff increases are driven by the urgent need to repair and modernize Ukraine's energy grid following widespread wartime destruction. Such a steep rise in utility costs could severely strain household budgets, particularly amid ongoing economic challenges.
Popenko's remarks highlight a critical debate about public versus state responsibility for funding national recovery, a topic likely to fuel further public and political discussion.